Featured Artist Jayme Squires

Jayme Squires is a talented singersongwriter that I met after featuring her original song “Feel So Good” in my February Original YouTube Songs article. She has been incredibly friendly and sincere whenever I talk to her, which really comes through in her music.

Her original songs share her unique perspective on everyday things and events in her life. The lyrics are warm and sincere, and just about everyone can relate to them and feel connected to her.

Jayme is very accomplished in many areas of the music industry and has even started her own publishing company, Dreamer’s Devotion. She spends a good amount of her time on the road performing at various clubs, venues, and festivals. In the few weeks I’ve known her I think she’s traveling between 3 or 4 states giving performances.

In fact, Jayme just announced that she will be performing on April 3rd at the Elbo Room in Chicago. So if you’re in the windy city, be sure to go to her show and support her!

Even with how busy Jayme keeps herself, she still makes time to mentor other songwriters throughout the US.

Helping other artists further their career is a passion that we share, which is why I was excited Jayme agreed to do this interview with me. I think that after reading this you will have a better understanding of Jayme’s process and background, and hopefully be inspired to create music of your own!

Jayme Squires Interview

Which musicians inspired you to work on your music? When and why did you start making music?

I wrote my first song in the third grade shortly after receiving my first guitar for Christmas. Singing, well I cannot even remember a time when I didn’t sing. There was never just one artist that inspired me or that I clung to. I have always been into all different styles of music and I listen to music based on whatever I am in the mood for. So I write based on how I feel or how I want other people to feel when they listen.

You have put a lot of time into your YouTube channel. How has that advanced your career compared to more traditional efforts (such as playing living, working with labels, etc.)

YouTube is an incredible tool. Man, I wish I could put even more time into my channel. I am working on that. Now I can network with people across the world all from my couch. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Do you have any recording equipment that you swear by? What are the most important pieces of equipment in your studio? (Microphones, SpeakersMonitors, Video Cameras, Software, …)

I like to keep things as simple as possible. I know my strengths and I am not a pro recording engineer. I also travel a lot and like to keep things easily accessible when I am on the go, in a hotel, because you never know when inspiration will strike.

So I swear by simplicity: an iPadand an Apogee Mic (96k). The two work seamlessly together and provide a sound that is definitely workable for a nice cover video or for sending off a track to a publisher.

If you ever get frustrated or stuck in the creative process, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing again?

There are a few things that I do when I feel stuck creatively. Some songs can be written in a matter of 15 minutes while others take a little bit more love. So in that case I like to get some Chai tea, sit outside, say a little prayer, and people watch. That may sound creepy… but I love people watching. Just observing people’s natural interactions can spark something.

Other times I get inside of my heard too much and start to doubt… so I usually switch gears and play a song that I have finished that I love to get my mojo back.

How much of your time is spent interacting with your audience and how important is that part to your success?

I hate marketing myself. I like to think of my audience as my friends… So I just do what feels natural to me. I never want people to think that I am interacting with them with any ulterior motives in play. Having a reason to announce a show or an event that I am excited about makes marketing on social media easier. I never want to have to find a reason to communicate. I’m that person that just wants to share a picture of my cat and my Starbucks and that is okay.

It shouldn’t be all business all the time. That isn’t what people connect with at the end of the day either… but I probably should tell you where I’m playing next… so I’ll put that up on my page, then later in the day I may post about my excitement over a new pair of sunglasses… yeah, I try to keep a nice balance… and I am always up for a new pair of sunglasses.

What can we look forward to seeing from you in the immediate future? Any big upcoming videos, shows, albums?

Honestly, right now there is so much… and I love it. This is the busiest I have been with my solo artistry ever and I am ready for even more. I will be playing at the Elbow Room In Chicago, the Launch Music Conference in Lancaster, PA and Old Settlers Days in Rockton, IL. Those are just a few of the festivals I have coming up.

I will also be announcing the dates of my Run Away With Me Tour soon at JaymeSquires.com and my blog will be starting up again soon. Not to mention that I am just getting started with videos on my YouTube channel, so more to come on there very soon! And as always… new music is in the works!

Any tips or tricks you want to share with people thinking about posting their first video?

Anything else you want to say?

Thank you. To you, Jesse for taking interest in me and thank you to my fans, my friends thanks for liking my silly pictures, listening to my songs that make me feel all vulnerable when I share them, and actually coming to my shows. You make me feel pretty cool.

Final Thoughts

Thank you Jayme for agreeing to do this interview. I’m sure this will be a huge inspiration to all of the artists out there who are wanting to follow in a similar path.